Haunted Happenings

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY

A.D. Barnes Halloween: Naturalist staff leads a nocturnal hike through the paved nature trails in search of native wildlife and creepy creatures of the night. A campfire with roasted marshmallows and not-too-scary Halloween stories follows; 7:30-9:30 p.m. Friday; A.D. Barnes Park, 3401 SW 72nd Ave., West Miami-Dade; $25 for four, $8 per person, reservations required. 305-662-4125 or adnature@miamidade.gov.

Aero Bar: 247 23rd St., Miami Beach. 305-674-1110 or http://www.aerobarmiami.com/: Halloween Vampire's Lingerie Party: 10 p.m. Friday. Halloween Dracula's Blood Ball: 10 p.m. Saturday.

All Hallows Eve: Includes a musical trip to the origins of voodoo with DJ Iko Iko. Dinner for two at the cafe and free CDs for the winner of best costume; 9 p.m. Saturday; Van Dyke Cafe, 846 Lincoln Rd., South Beach. 305-534-3600 or http://www.thevandykecafe.com/.

Allen Park's Monster Mash Bash: Includes a haunted house, DJ music, spooky snap shots for $1, edible arts and crafts, refreshments on sale, costume show, rock wall, bounce houses, giant slides, games, raffles and prizes. For kids of all ages; 6-10 p.m. Saturday; DeLeonardis Youth Center at Allen Park, 1770 NE 162nd St., North Miami Beach; $4. 305-948-2957.

Alliance Française Halloween Brunch: Adult menu includes choice of charcuterie plate or cheese plate, croissant, chocolate croissant or pastry and coffee, tea or soda. Make-up menu (a make-up artist transforms kids into monsters) or kids menu includes sweet crepe, nutella or jam, croissant, chocolate croissant or pastry and soda; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; Alliance Francaise Miami, 618 SW Eighth St., Little Havana; $20 adult menu, $15 make-up menu, $10 kids menu, reservations required. 305-859-8760.

Asylum: Features light shows, macabre interactive performances, a costume contest and the latest electronic and dance music spun by DJs. VIP guests experience premiere treatment with access to an invitation-only pre-event, free valet parking, a VIP exclusive second story dance floor, open bar and private chill lounge with catered gourmet food and separate DJ; 8 p.m. Saturday-2 a.m. Sunday; Miami Design District, Miami; $100 VIP, $45 at the door, $90 VIP, $35 in advance. 305-751-7283 or http://www.savedade.org/.

Aventura Whole Foods Market Silent Pumpkin Auction: Accepts silent bids on team members' hand-painted pumpkins. Those who submit the winning bid can take home the pumpkins and display them on Halloween. Auction proceeds benefit Whole Planet Foundation, which raises awareness about the power of microcredit to help people lift themselves out of poverty. Winners announced at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, through Oct. 30; Whole Foods Market-Aventura, 21105 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura. 305-933-1543 or http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/.

Aventura's Halloween Harvest: Offers maze, bounce house, carnival games, trick or treat trail, arts and crafts and costume parade. Must come in costume; 1-4:30 p.m. Saturday; Aventura Community Recreation Center, 3375 NE 188th St., Aventura; free. 305-466-3883 or http://www.cityofaventura.com/.

Blue Jeans Blues' Nightmare on the 33rd Street: Features live music, food, drinks, games and Halloween costume contest; 6-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 3320 NE 33rd St., Fort Lauderdale; no cover. 954-306-6330 or http://www.bluejeanblues.net/. Buried Alive: New haunted attraction features Monster Splash, where cadaverous aquatic creatures perform the Halloween classic dolphin show, Flipper's Thrills and Chills.

Salty the Sea Lion gives guests a fright during the Curse of the Golden Dome Witches. Includes Wizards and Wands dolphin show, Frightening Manor, a kid-friendly haunted house, and nighttime bash; 7-11 p.m. Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m.-midnight Saturday; Miami Seaquarium, 4400 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne; $24.95 special admission price for nighttime bash. 305-361-5705 ext. 225 or www.miamiseaquarium.com.

The BuzzBoat: Offers a three-day, round-the-clock, dance-music fueled excursion aboard Carnival's Imagination during the Halloween weekend; 1-8 a.m. Friday-Sunday; $275-$800. 919-0332-7046 or http://www.thebuzzboat.com/.

The Cat's Meow: Halloween soiree includes one free premium cocktail and music by DJ Ruen. Hosted by Nick D'Annunzio, Jose Ortiz and Martin Krediet, local scenesters and tastemakers; 9 p.m. Saturday-3 a.m. Sunday; The Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; table service for $150, $20, reservations recommended. 305-534-6300 or ttreland@raleighhotel.com.

Cauley Square Halloween Blast: Features giant pumpkin, spooky horse carriage, thriller dance costume contest, face painting and cotton candy. Kim Bankston, member of the Platters, performs live jazz 7-10 p.m., 2-10 p.m. Saturday; Cauley Square Historic Railroad Village, 22400 Old Dixie Hwy., Goulds; call for price. 305-258-3543 or http://www.cauleysquare.com/.

City of Miami Haunted House and Halloween Outdoor Movie: Haunted house 6-7:30 p.m. with trick-or-treat bags, followed by screening of Monster House at 8 p.m. The Academy Award-nominated, animated fantasy film follows three teens who discover that their neighbor is really a living, breathing, scary monster. Includes best costume and mummy wrap contests; 6 p.m. Saturday; Grapeland Park, 1550 NW 37th Ave., Miami; $4. 305-960-2960.

Deering Estate: 16701 SW 72nd Ave., Palmetto Bay. 305-235-1668 or http://www.deeringestate.org/: Be your Own Investigator: Rediscover evidence and occurrences found on the estate during a recent paranormal investigation; 7-9 p.m. Thursday; $25, registration required. 305-235-1668, ext. 233. Voices of the Past-Ghost Story Tours: League of Paranormal Investigators, Deering Estate staff, artists in residence and community collaborators share many voices of the past, stories about ghost sightings and experiences at Lummus Park, Cauley Square, Loxahatchee Nature Preserve and Deering Estate; 7-9 p.m. Thursday; free with admission of $10, $5 kids 4-14.

Discovery Day-Miami's Mysterious Circle: Kids 6-12 spend a day at the museum on teacher planning days. Find out about this national historic landmark, envision the environment and people that existed in those days and construct own mini-circle building with natural materials; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; Historical Museum of Southern Florida, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami; $40, $35 HMSF members. 305-375-1492 or www.hmsf.org.

Down the Rabbit Hole: Offers costume contest, raffles, silent suction, performance by Shameless Burlesque, music by DJ Trails and free temporary tattoos by Tattoos by Lou. Full bar, novelty shots and jello shots available. Costumes mandatory. For ages 21 and up. Benefits United Nations Children's Fund; Wherehouse 2016, 2016 NE 155th St., North Miami Beach; 10 p.m. Friday-3 a.m. Saturday; $100 VIP package (includes snacks, five drink tickets, private entertainment and exclusive access to VIP lounge), $15, $10 in advance. 786-273-0088 or maggie@booevents.com.

Dream's F.U.B.A.R. Halloween Party: With DJ Austin Leeds. Proper ID dress code strictly enforced; 11 p.m.-5 a.m., Dream, 1532 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. $20, free entry for unescorted ladies before 1 a.m., 305-401-5000 or http://www.dreammia.com/. Frankenstein: Based on Mary Shelley's gothic 1818 novel Frankenstein, the horror classic tells the tale of an obsessed scientist who assembles a living being from parts of exhumed corpses. Event includes a horror movie poster exhibition by illustrator Rob Kelly; 8:30 p.m. Saturday; Miami Beach Cinematheque, 512 Espanola Way, Miami Beach; $10, $8 seniors and students, $7 members. 305-673-4567 or http://www.mbcinema.com/.

Friday Night Riot Halloween Costume Contest: Performances by Riot Agents, Big City Bombers, Live Suicide, Enough!, Ass Piss, Brain Damage, Goodbye Pluto, Astronaut, Los Imigrantes, Mixed Breed, Plague; 9 p.m. Friday; Churchill's, 5501 NE Second Ave., Little Haiti. 305-757-1807 or http://www.churchillspub.com/.

Ghosts of Miami City Cemetery Night Walking Tour: Get into the Halloween spirit and help Dr. George celebrate his birthday on this yearly haunted history tour. Lurk among the tombstones of the historic graveyard to hear stories about the mysterious deaths of the inhabitants. Visit the final resting places of early settlers, Miami's first mayor, the Burdine family and Julia Tuttle. Bring own flashlight and park inside the cemetery front gate. Costume optional; 8-10 p.m. Friday; Miami City Cemetery, 1800 NE Second Ave, Miami; $30, $25 HMSF members. 305-375-1492 or http://www.hmsf.org/.

Halloween: A psychotic murderer institutionalized since childhood escapes and goes on a mindless rampage while his doctor chases after him; 7:30 p.m. Saturday; Spa at Icon Brickell, 485 Brickell Ave., Miami; $12. 305-503-0369 or iconspa@viceroymiami.com. Halloween at Space: Music by DJs Boris, Patrick M and Louis Puig at the terrace. Guy Gerber and Tom Clark perform with DJs Maurizio, Danyelino and Dsan Powell at the Techno loft. DJs Radamas and Meta-4 in the main room; 9 p.m. Saturday; Space, 34 NE 11th St., Downtown Miami. 305-372-9378 or http://www.clubspace.com/.

Halloween at SushiSamba Dromo: Terror-ific tunes provided by resident DJ with scarily sweet specials like the Chocolate Grave with créme brulee foam and Bloody Berries dessert and the Kobocha Temperado cocktail; 6 p.m. Friday; SushiSamba Dromo, 600 Lincoln Rd., South Beach. 305-673-5337 or http://www.sushisamba.com/.

Halloween Costume Ball: Free entry before midnight with the invitation on the website; 9 p.m. Saturday; La Covacha, 10730 NW 25th St., Doral. 305-594-3717 or http://www.lacovacha.com/.

Halloween Haunted Vampire House Party: Hosted by Elaine Lancaster. Benefits the American Heart Association; 9 p.m.-midnight Thursday; Catalina Hotel, 1732 Collins Ave., South Beach. http://www.catalinasouthbeach.com/.

Halloween Improv: A scary night of improv based on audience suggestions; 9 and 11 p.m. Friday; Just the Funny Improv Comedy Theater, 3119 Coral Way, Miami; $10. 866-468-7630 or http://www.justthefunny.com/.

Halloween on the Mile: 3-6 p.m. Saturday; free; Miracle Mile, Coral Way between Le Jeune Road and 37th Ave., Coral Gables. http://www.shopcoralgables.com/: Trick-or-treating and scavenger hunt; 3 p.m., Haunted house at Baptist Medical Plaza, 320 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables. Doggie costume contest hosted by WTVJ-NBC 6's Ryan Phillips and sponsored by The Humane Society of Greater Miami; 3:30 p.m. Halloween stories and announcement of scary story contest winners; 4 p.m., Books & Books, 265 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables. Special performance by the Magical Miracles at the Miracle Theatre; 4:30 p.m. Kids costume contest at the Miracle Theatre; 5 p.m.

Halls of Terror: Live music, concerts, roller skating, regular skate rental, free game play and the halls of terror. Skating continues for one hour after hall closing each night; 7:30-10 p.m. Thursday, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Friday, 7:30-11 p.m. Saturday, through Oct. 31; Super Wheels Skating Center, 12265 SW 112th St., West Kendall; $15 haunt and skating combo pack, $12 skating only, $10 haunt admission only. 305-270-9386 or http://www.superwheelsmiami.com/.

Haunted Halloween at White Room: With 12th Planet performing; 10 p.m. Saturday; White Room, 1306 North Miami Ave., Downtown Miami. 305-995-5050 or http://www.whiteroomshows.com/.

The Invisible Man: The film follows a scientist who finds a way of becoming invisible, but in doing so, he becomes murderously insane. Event includes a horror movie poster exhibition by illustrator Rob Kelly; 8:30 p.m. Sunday; Miami Beach Cinematheque, 512 Espanola Way, Miami Beach; $10, $8 seniors and students, $7 members. 305-673-4567 or http://www.mbcinema.com/.

Jazid Halloween Party: Features drum and base by Stank Love; 11 p.m. Saturday; Jazid, 1342 Washington Ave., Miami Beach; no cover. 305-673-9372.

Jungle Island's Halloween Spooktacular: Special trick-or-treat doors, costume contest, live performances of Michael Jackson's Thriller, goblin pie-eating contests, creepy cookie decorating, ghostly tunes and activities from spooky DJs, arts and crafts stations, a witch hunt raffle and bounce houses; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Jungle Island, 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami; $13 adults and kids 3-10, $7 for kids 3-10 in full costume, free for kids 2 and under. 305-400-7000 or www.jungleisland.com/halloween.

Kids Putt Putt Party: Features treat stops, special restaurant menus and costume contests; noon-6 p.m. Saturday; Upper Eastside Garden, 7244 Biscayne Blvd., Miami; free admission, refreshments and putt putt included. 305-984-3231 or peter_rozek@hotmail.com.

LIV at The Fontainebleau Hotel: 4441 Collins Ave., Miami Beach. 305-674-2000 or livnightclub.com: LIV Halloween Eve: Live performance by Space Cowboy and additional sounds by Marshall Barnes; 9 p.m. Friday. Thriller at LIV: Sounds by DJ Berrie and Faarsheed; 9 p.m. Saturday. Mansion: 1235 Washington Ave., South Beach. 305-531-5535 or http://www.theopiumgroup.com/.

The House of Jigsaw: We Rock Hip Hop invites you to celebrate the release of Saw VI during Halloween Weekend 2009 with a special performance from Fat Joe, sponsored by Don Cardona Tequila. With sounds by DJ Irie and DJ 360; 11 p.m. Friday; $15. Halloween with DJ Joachim Garraud: With Laurent Simeca; 11 p.m. Saturday; $20.

Meat Market Halloween: Offers three-course fixed-price outdoor diner created by Sean Brasel, chef and owner of Meat Market. Appetizers include choice of pumpkin bisque, cedar-scented hamachi, crab and lobster cake, crispy crab tail and kobe beef slider duo. Entrée choices include kilcoyne farms rose veal chop, tropical braised prime brisket, kobe skirt steak, wood-grilled wild African pheasant and sea bass. Dessert options include Halloween root beer float, pistachio creme brulee and chocolate temptation. Normal dinner hours (6 p.m.-1 a.m.) and a la carte menu remain inside; 8 and 10 p.m. Saturday; Meat Market, 915 Lincoln Rd., South Beach; $75, reservations required. 305-532-0088 or http://www.meatmarketmiami.com/.

MiaSci's Creepy Crawl: Includes a new exhibit gallery, Halloween laser shows in the planetarium, rides, Halloween food court, face painting, costume contests, wildlife encounters, pumpkin painting with local artists and Halloween tricks-and-treats. The Theatre Institute of South Florida presents a Haunted House experience, Domain of Fears IV: Evil Magic, with a graveyard lounge, spook show and scare maze. Presented by Miami Science Museum, Prince Media Development and the Theatre Institute of South Florida; noon-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Miami Science Museum, 3280 S. Miami Ave., Coconut Grove; $16, $12 for kids, free for members, $10 for Haunted House, $5 members for Haunted House. 305-646-4405 or avillar@miamisci.org.

Miami Beach Botanical Garden's Halloween Family Day: Halloween arts and crafts, pumpkin carving and painting, cookie decorating, music and entertainment by Gold Coast Theatre Company. Pumpkins for sale. Costumes mandatory. Presented by Publix and Ghirardelli Chocolate; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday; Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Dr., Miami Beach; $2. 305-673-7256, ext. 201 or http://www.mbgarden.org/.

Miami Cemetery Walking Tour: Join museum educator Natan Samuels on the morning walk through the shady old cemetery downtown. Hear stories about the inhabitants, and visit the final resting places of early settlers, Miami's first mayor, the Burdine family and Julia Tuttle. Learn about the day of the dead; 10 a.m.-noon Saturday; Historical Museum of Southern Florida, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami; $25, $20 HMSF members. 305-375-1492 or http://www.hmsf.org/.

Miami Children's Museum Fall and Halloween Gala: Offers scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating (on Saturday only), arts and crafts, mad science and games. Halloween costume mandatory; noon Friday and Saturday; Miami Children's Museum, 980 MacArthur Cswy., Miami; free with museum admission of $15, $12 Florida residents, free for members and kids 11 and under. 305-373-5437 or http://www.miamichildrensmuseum.org/.

Miami Lakes United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival and Craft Show: The 12th annual event showcases a variety of pumpkins and gourds, along with carving kits, novelty items, sodas and homemade pumpkin bread for sale; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Wednesday, through Oct. 31; 14800 Ludlam Rd., Miami Lakes; free. 305-821-9411 or http://www.miamilakesumc.net/: Field Trips: Kids listen to a Pumpkin Patch-related story under the trees, can wander through the patch, have refreshments, receive a goodie bag and a small pumpkin to take home; 9 a.m.-noon Saturday and Sunday; $3. 305-821-7274 or office@miamilakesumc.net. Teen Time: Includes a bonfire, songs and s'mores; 7 p.m. Friday; free. Fall Festival: Features craft sale, entertainment, including pony rides, bounce houses, crafts for kids to make, performance by Corazon Colombiano Dance Group, face painting and fire truck. Food available for purchase; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday.

Miami Metrozoo: 12400 SW 152nd St., South Miami-Dade; $15.95, $11.95 kids 3-12, free for kids 2 and under. 305-251-0400 or http://www.miamimetrozoo.com/: Dr. Wilde's Screamatorium: Part of Halloween festivities, the 7,000-square-foot haunted house terrifies visitors with horror scenes depicting the living dead, graveyards, butcher shops and deceased creatures, all to the music of rock legends Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. May not be suitable for younger kids; 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; $5 with admission price. MetroBoo: Trick-or-treat, costume contests, special performances, Halloween crafts, music and games with fun prizes provided by WDYZ-AM (990) and WFLC-FM (97.3). Watch wild animals get Halloween goodies; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday and Saturday; free with admission price. Spooky Zoo Night: Features admission to Dr. Wilde's Screamatorium, spooky tram rides, ghoulish carousel rides, scary movies, chilling storytelling at the amphitheater around a fire pit and thriller dance lessons at the aviary plaza. Other attractions include candy stations, roving street theater and encounters with critters such as tarantulas, scorpions and snakes. The Halloween eve culminates with a costume parade; 7-11 p.m. Friday; $10.95, $9.95 Zoological Society of Florida members with admission price.

MiMoWEEN Halloween Street Festival and Taste of MiMo: MiMo District celebrates Halloween with treat stops, restaurant specials and costume contests from Northeast 50th Street to NE 78th Street. Includes sushi, pizza, hotdogs and tacos from 12 restaurants noon-5 p.m., MiMoWEEN treats for kids in costume noon to dark, free Putt Putt Party noon-6 p.m. at Upper Eastside Garden, 7244 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, haunted house for all ages noon-midnight at Red Light, 7700 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, and kids party with prizes 4-6 p.m. at Starbucks, 6815 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. Sip of MiMo starts after dark in which every adult in costume gets a free cocktail at five restaurants. Go to http://www.mimoboulevard.org/ for more information and updates on participating restaurants; noon Saturday; $2-$5 for Taste of MiMo, free festival.

Olivos Halloween Fright Night: Offers a Halloween menu with a free glass of sangria for those in costume. Menu includes Halloween magic potion, Halloween pumpkin soup, Bloody Mary fish, seared grouper with stir-fried rice and tomatoes and vodka marmalade, spaghetti in black calamari sauce, lamb stew in a baby pumpkin and passion fruit panna cotta with chocolate sauce; 4 p.m. Saturday; Olivos, 10455 NW 41st St., Doral; $25, reservations required. 305-718-9968 or http://www.olivosrestaurant.com/.

The Other Hollywood: Open bar provided by Leblon and 42 Below plus special performances by Jose El Rey and Afrobeta. Also features Nu Disco Royalty by Speak Recordings/Play it Loud, Son of Sound (Henry Maldonado), Drrtyhaze (Doug Gomez) and Mister Drake. For ages 21 and up; 10 p.m. Saturday-3 a.m. Sunday; The Awarehouse, 550 NW 29th St., Miami; $20, reservations required. http://www.supermarketcreative.com/.

Playboy Halloween Party: Featuring guest playmates Miss December 2005-Christine Smith, Miss November 2004-Cara Zavaleta, Miss September 2009-Kimberly Phillips, Miss November 2005-Raquel Gibson, Miss October 2005-Amanda Paige, Miss June 2004-Hiromi Oshima, Miss October 2004-Kimberly Holland and Miss February 1999-Stacy Fuson in full bunny gear; 9 p.m. Saturday; Skybar at The Shore Club, 1901 Collins Ave., South Beach. $75. 786-276-6772.

Purdy Lounge Halloween Party: Costume party and drink specials; 6 p.m. Saturday; Purdy Lounge, 1811 Purdy Ave., Miami Beach. 305-531-4622 or http://www.purdylounge.com/. Randazzo's Little Italy Halloween Party: Offers half-price drinks and Ty Ku cocktails, DJ, outdoor bar and prizes for the best costume; 8:30 p.m. Saturday-2 a.m. Sunday; Randazzo's Little Italy, 375 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables. 305-448-7002.

The Reel Horror Ball: Special screening of the cinematic event produced by marketing company Vitamin C. Includes free vodka cocktails 9-11 p.m. and music by DJs Miguel G and Supreme1. For ages 21 and up; 9 p.m. Saturday-5 a.m. Sunday; ECCO Pizzzateca & Lounge, 168 SE First St., Miami; $40 male, $30 female, reservations required. 305-960-1900 or www.wantickets.com/reelhorrorball.

Spooky Halloween Adventure: Features bounce houses, hay ride, historic spooky movie showing, monster mural coloring station, graveyard sandbox dig, narrow-gauge train ride with stop for ghost story at bonfire, standard-gauge train ride to make stop at spooky village, food concession, trick-or-treat stations and costume contests; 6-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday; Gold Coast Railroad Museum, 12450 SW 152nd St., Miami; $3, suggested $10 minimum purchase of 10 activity tickets. 786-217-8780 or michael.hall@gcrm.org.

Spooky Sunset and Moonlight Kayak Tour: Includes kayaking along the shallow waters of Key Biscayne through the unspoiled expanse of Bear Cut Preserve. Must wear bathing suits or water-resistant clothing and bring towels, water and closed-toe shoes; 6-8:30 p.m. Friday; Crandon Park Visitors and Nature Center, 6767 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne; $40, registration required. 305-365-3018.

Thriller Halloween Bash: Performances by The Five Ninez, Fate Suspended and 1000 Pounds of Thrust plus thriller dance and a costume contest; 7 p.m. Friday; Tobacco Road, 626 S. Miami Ave., Miami. $10; 305-374-1198 or http://www.tobacco-road.com/.

Thriller Night at Titanic: Featuring Classic T; 9:30 p.m. Saturday; Titanic Brewery & Restaurant, 5813 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. 305-668-1742 or http://www.titanicbrewery.com/.

Thriller Night in Coconut Grove: Open bar and live music throughout the evening with sounds of Miami's popular DJs, including Felix Sama, and performances by Monique, Gabriel Antonio, RicoDre and Autumn House. Features live performances by Michael Jackson impersonators, large screens playing Michael Jackson shorts, including the classic video Thriller, and various contests, including best Halloween costume, best Michael Jackson impersonator and best performing artist. Benefits Shake-A-Leg Miami; The Shoppes at Mayfair, 2911 Grand Ave., Coconut Grove; 8:30 p.m. Saturday-2:30 a.m. Sunday; $30. 786-355-4800, c_bettner@yahoo.com. or http://www.bestofsouthfl.net/.

True Blood Halloween Costume Ball: Girls can try some True Blood cocktails. Open bar from 9 p.m. till 11 p.m. in the vampire garden. Sounds by DJ Mr. Sandman; 9 p.m. Saturday; The King is Dead, 10 NE 40th St., Design District. 305-573-3355 or http://www.kingisdead.com/.

Weird Tales and Other Amazing Stories: Performance of short plays and musical numbers by 17 conservatory students. Directed by John and Maria Rodaz and written by Roberto Aguirre Sacasa, Dylan Guerra and Flavia Pallozzi. Includes best costume contest on Saturday and a haunted mansion; 7 p.m. Friday, 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday; Area Stage Company, Riviera Plaza, 1560 S. Dixie Hwy., Coral Gables; $3-$20, reservations required. 305-666-2078 or http://www.teatroareastage.com/.

BROWARD COUNTY

COSTUME PARTY AND TRICK OR TREAT October 27. Show off your cool costume a few days early and pick up a few treats while you're at it! So bring that Halloween goody bag and don't forget to say "trick or treat!" 6:30 p.m. Oakland Park Library, 1298 NE 37 St., Oakland Park. 954-630-4372. Free.

SHRIEK WEEK October 27-31. Shriek Week is Sugar Sand Park Community Center annual Halloween special event. The event includes Crooked Creek Haunted Ghost Town Tours, Gary Goodman's "Ghoulish Comedy Magic and Frightful Illusion Show," and the Shriek Week Round Up which includes family activities and food! Advanced tickets are strongly encouraged. Hours are Tuesday-Thursday from 5:00-8:30pm; Friday from 5:00-9:30pm; Saturday from 11:00am-3:30pm. Sugar Sand Park Community Center, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. 561-347-3900 or visit http://www.sugarsandpark.org/.

HALLOWEEN "BOO"ARDWALK October 30. After trick-or-treating bring the costumed kids to the nature center to take a walk on the family friendly "BOO"ardwalk! On your walk, you will learn about some of the spooky creatures we see at Halloween time, like spiders, owls, and bats, and take part in fun activities! 6:30-8:30 p.m. Daggerwing Nature Center, 11200 Park Access Road, Boca Raton. 561-629-8760. Free.

GHOSTS AND GOBLINS FAMILY FUN NIGHT October 30. Nothing too scary about tonight! Activities include a costume contest, games and prizes, arts and crafts, photos in the Pumpkin Patch and age appropriate story time. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Ages 2-11. 6-8 p.m. Fern Forest Nature Center, 201 Lyons Road South, Coconut Creek. 954-970-0150. Some activities cost a nominal fee.

ARTSPARK BOO BASH October 30. Kids of all ages can enjoy safe trick-or-treating along the Haunted Trail, live entertainment by the Monsters and plenty of Halloween fun. 7-10 p.m. ArtsPark at Young Circle, Hollywood Boulevard and U.S. 1, Downtown Hollywood. 954-921-3500. Free.

HALLO-"GREEN" October 30. Here is an earth friendly event for all you eco friendly folks out there! Think "green" this Halloween while enjoying games, crafts and fun activities at the nature center. Don't forget to arrive in your best Hallo-"green" costume! 6-8 p.m. Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood. 954-926-2480. $3 per person.

MONSTER MASH AT THE POOL October 31. Have a spooktacular afternoon at the pool playing fun games in and around the pool. Also enjoy face painting, clowns, bounce houses and more! 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The Swim Center, 21618 St. Andrews Blvd., Boca Raton. 561-544-8540. Free.

HALLOWEEN HAVEN AND HAUNTED HOUSE October 30 and 31. Great fun and not too scary for the younger children! The costume parade and hour begins promptly at 11:30. Story time with the Good Witch starts at noon with treats while supplies last. The Haunted House open from 9:30-4:30 is also for the younger set. The Flamingo Fright Film Fest with classic favorites runs continuously from 9:30-4:30 in the Gallery. Flamingo Gardens and Wildlife Sanctuary, 3750 S. Flamingo Road, Davie. 954-473-2955. Ages 12 and older, $8.50; Ages 4-11, $4.25; Four and younger, free.

Charity event for Fire Station No. 3, which is now The Fire Museum of Fort Lauderdale? It was told that it would be up in the Sun Sentinel.com and Metro mix. This is a museum that gets its funding through the community. Children are taught about fire safety. This community event is a ghost tour and ghost investigation. Oct. 30th and 31st. 2009. Ghost tours $25 Donation; 8, 9, 10:00 p.m. Ghost investigation $75 Donation. 11:00 p.m. - 3:00 , ending in a Seance. see www.sefgrevents.blogspot.com/ for this event that benefits our children and keep the history of Fire Fighters here in South Florida.

Boo Bash Nothing screams Halloween like raw fish, seaweed and rice. Come check out spooky themed sushi, ghoulish drinks specials and a costume contest at this inaugural event. 9 p.m.-1a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at RA Sushi Bar, 201 SW 145th Terrace, Pembroke Pines. Call 954-342-5454.

Halloween Bash As the streets of Himmarshee are taken over by drunken fools in Joker costumes, head to this more serene holiday event, featuring a costume contest, live music, drinks, food and socializing with members of the Young Professionals for Covenant House. 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Oct. 31 at YOLO, 333 East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-525-7661. $25.

Hallow Farm Indie, emo, punk and rock bands will be haunting the Talent Farm for tricks and treats of live music. All ages are welcome to check out the bands, participate in the costume contest and chuckle with mild embarrassment when you see other people with the same Slipknot mask on. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at 20911 Johnson St., Hollywood. Visit www.Myspace.com/thetalentfarm.

Halloween Fetish Ball Have the fear spanked out of you during this very naughty annual event, which will boast erotic horror performances and more than enough vinyl, latex and rubber to clog a landfill for generations. A strict dress code will be enforced. 10 p.m.-4 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at Revolution Live , 200 West Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. $20-$25.

Haunted High IV: Pulse As if high school wasn't already scary enough. Join Stoneman Douglas Drama Department as they transform their high school into a fright school; this years house is based on the true story of a terror stricken hospital. 6-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, 5901 Pine Island Road, Parkland. Call 754-322-2150. $5 and canned food donation.

Howl-o-Ween Party This canine costume competition is sure to make Fido feel like a star. Whether he is the funniest, spookiest, most original or looks most like his parents he sure to win a prize. All proceeds benefit the Grateful Paws Dog and Cat Rescue. 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at Central Bark Doggy Day Care, 3699 North Dixie Highway, Oakland Park. Call 954-568-3647. $5 registration donation, $.50 voting tickets.

Marvin Dixon's '70s Costume and Playa's Ball Calling all my playa's (both female and male) in there best pimp and 70s garb for a night of laughs and dance. This year show features Nema Williams, Cocoa Brown and Big Rome with a post show after party. 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at the Miramar cultural Center, 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar. Call 954-602-4500 or visit www.miramarculturalcenter.org. $20.

PetSet's Annual Halloween Masquerade The group dedicated to animal causes will hold this annual event for young professionals, who are invited to wear their best costumes. This would be a great opportunity to dress up as something really scary: a politician. Complimentary cocktails, hors d'oeuvres (deviled eggs, anyone?) and more treats will be on-hand, 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 La Playa, 3003 N.E. 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-266-6827 or visit www.Petset.org. $35-$50.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Throw on your funky glasses, corsets and slather on the red lipstick it is time to do the Time Warp. Follow along as live performers shadow the onscreen performances. 11:55 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at Cinema Paridiso, 503 S.E. Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale (954/525-FILM; www.Fliff.com). $5.

'Scary Rock Star' Halloween Contest Channel your inner Alice Cooper, Marilyn Manson, Amy Winehouse, Ozzy or other scary rocker demon for the spookiest, rockiness costume contest. Enter to win cash, prizes, vacation trip and more. Registration begins at 7: 30 p.m., contest begins at 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at Seminole Paradise at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood. Call 954-583-3250. Free.

Shooters Costume Contest and Street Party This mega-bash will help relieve your economic woes via adult beverages or the huge costume contest, as $10,000 in prizes will be awarded to those answering the call to outdo Key West's Fantasy Fest, with $5,000 going to the first place winner. Expect headless waiters, upside-down bat men, giant robots and even a few Barbie dolls. (Wait, it doesn't have to be Halloween for that.) Live bands, a street party, food and drink will be featured beginning at dusk Saturday, Oct. 31 at Shooters Waterfront Café U.S.A., 3033 N.E. 32nd Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-566-2855 or visit www.Shooterscafe.com.

Stranahan House Ghost Tour Frank and Ivy are waiting for you, even though they've been dead for almost a century! Take a tour of the historic Stranahan House and experience otherworldly ephemera that have been detected and documented by those most familiar with the building, tours at 7 or 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, through October at Stranahan House, 335 S.E. Sixth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-524-4736 or visit www.stranahanhouse.org. $20, reservations required.

Tequila Ranch O-Ween Everyone's favorite tequila pourin', bull-ridin' Seminole hot spot will get even crazier during this Halloween bash. Win big during the costume contest, grab the bull by the horns during the bull-riding contest and be happy there's no work the next day, because drink specials will have you ordering mas tequilas, 9 p.m.-close Saturday, Oct. 31 at Tequila Ranch, inside Seminole Paradise, 5760 Seminole Way, Hollywood 954-556-7430.

Uglyween The lovely ladies of Coyote Ugly will help you down some spooky libations, a costume contest will keep you entertained and the search for your car keys after it's all over will have you out until the sun comes up, 8 p.m.-4 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 at Coyote Ugly, 220 S.W. Second St., Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-764-8459.

Wicked Manors Block Party They tried to keep it in the closet, but the powers that be in Wilton Manors had to let the black cat out of the bag for this mother of all block parties. The theme this year will be "A Trip Down the Rabbit Hole," (insert your own joke here) in honor of Alice in Wonderland. Mad Hatters, Queen of Hearts and Cheshire Cats will be roaming the streets as female impersonators strut their stuff. Other event highlights will include music, dancing, costume contests, and so much more, 6 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Oct. 31 along Wilton Drive, between Sixth Avenue and Five-Points, Wilton Manors. Call 954-564-8707, or visit www.Wickedmanors.com. Free.

Yolo's Halloween Bash: Includes two cocktails, appetizers, live band and costume contest; 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday; 333 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. $25, $20 in advance at www.GoRiverwalk.com. 954-523-1000 or http://www.yolorestaurant.com/.

PALM BEACH COUNTY

Twitter Tweet Halloween Party Those who have to get as much social networking in will enjoy this event, where Facebook, Twitter and MySpace junkies can text their approval to one another, even if you're standing right next to the person. This event will feature live music, drink and food specials, costumes and very little verbal communication. 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at Crane's BeachHouse and Tiki Bar, 82 Gleason St., Delray Beach. Call 561-278-1700, or follow via Twitter @CBHotel or @CBHtkibar, or on Facebook at CBHHotel. $5 for non-followers, free to those in the know.

SPOOKTACULAR GRAND ILLUSION SHOW October 30 and 31. Gary Goodman, Master Illusionist, will be premiering his Halloween Ghoulish Comedy Magic & Frightful Illusion Show. Gary and his assistant will perform magic and illusions to spooky music and special effects. Shows are suitable for ages four and older. 6-7 p.m. and 8-9 p.m., Friday and Noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m., Saturday at Sugar Sand Park, 300 S. Military Trail, Boca Raton. 561-347-3948. Adults, $9; Children 12 and younger, $7.

Soul Parade When a city has a rock star for a mayor and an anarchist for a city commissioner, you know they have to have one helluva good Halloween bash! This two-day party will turn the historic downtown into a zombieland for all with a " New York village-style" parade (Friday), with Saturday boasting costume contests, physic readings, live music, street performers, side show entertainment, a "Thriller" dance performance, Halloween hair and make-up make-overs and more. In downtown Lake Worth, on Lake and Lucerne avenues. Call 561-951-4915 or visit www.Halloweenstreetscene.com.

Moonfest One of the biggest Halloween extravaganzas in South Florida, this annual party features alternative bands, unbelievable costumes and tens of thousands -- that's right, tens of thousands -- of people packed into downtown West Palm Beach. Festivities include a costume contest, games, wall projections of horror flicks, street performers, a haunted house, rides, food, drinks, DJs, live music and more. 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 from the 100 to 500 blocks of Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Call 561-667-1030; or visit Moonfest.org. Free, but VIP tickets -- or are they RIP tickets? -- are available for $30-$35.

History of Mystery Tour Join this walking tour led by a ghoulish gal as she tells tales of West Palm Beach's weird and wild early days. The tour begins at O'Shea's Irish Pub, 531 Clematis St., and ends at E.R. Bradley's, 104 S. Clematis St. Both locations will serve up specialty Halloween-themed cocktails. 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, through Oct. 30. Call 561-833-8873. $5.

Fright Nights Get haunted to the hilt with spooky houses guaranteed to turn you into a quivering bowl of jelly. This spooktacular event will feature several haunted houses, including Next of Kin (say "hello" to a murderous family), Origins will have you lost in the darkest depths of this world, Malpractice will have you wishing for your old HMO, and the Monster Midway rides, food, a special fright zone, a "sick flicks" cinema, the Brothers Grim Sideshow, games and more will be sure to turn your innards into outards. 6-11 p.m. Thursdays, 6 p.m.-midnight Fridays and Saturdays, through Oct. 31 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, seven miles west of Interstate 95 off Southern BOOlevard, West Palm Beach. Call 561-793-0333 or visit www.Frightnights.net. $15-$25.

Dog Lovers Halloween Event Through on that adorable doggy costume on your pet of course and browse through several vendors, participate in a dog costume party and laugh as your pooch enter a pie eating contest. 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Count and Countess de Hoernle South County Service Center, 5820 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton. Call 561-994-2060. Free.

Devil's Night Forget poison ivy, this garden is straight from hell! The Gentlemen of the Garden will turn the usually peaceful Ann Norton Sculpture Garden into a den for the departed during this night-before-Halloween event. Dress up in your favorite costume for a chance at a $1,000 prize and great ready for a night of food, open bars, special performances, live music, a haunted garden and perhaps an impromptu send-off of Thriller. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at 255 Barcelona Road, West Palm Beach. Call 561-623-5496 or visit Thegog.org. $150-$160.

SPOOKYVILLE October 22-24 and 29-31. Take the little goblins on a trick or treat trail or to a glittering carnival of rides, games and attractions. On Halloween night participate in costume contests, a costume parade and fun games. Face painting, pass the pumpkin, mummy wraps, a cake walk and pumpkin bowling -there's a family activity for everyone! 5-8 p.m. and 3-8 p.m. on Halloween. Yesteryear Village on South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach. 561-793-0333. Admission; $5; Ages two and younger, free; All rides; $10 with wristband.

HALLOWEEN PARADE AND DOWNTOWN TRICK-OR-TREATING October 31. Sponsored by the Noontime Kiwanis of Delray Beach, enjoy trick-or-treating along Atlantic Avenue. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. parade starts at 1:30 p.m. at Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach and travels east to Veterans Park, 802 NE First St., Delray Beach. 561-276-6537.

HALLOWEEN STREET SCENE SOUL PARADE October 30 and 31. Shake, groove, funk and frolic and celebrate Halloween around the world with thousands of costumed crazies enjoying the world class rhythm. Lake Worth's Downtown District is a place where the historic past and the exciting future of one of the world's most charming cities come together. Downtown Lake Worth, Lake and Lucerne Avenues, between Dixie and Federal Highways, Lake Worth. 561-951-4951 or visit www.halloweenstreetscene.com.

CLEMATIS BY FRIGHT October 29. Costume contests for all ages, free candy for the kids, and much more. Do the monster mash all night as The Fabulons, Florida's favorite party band, bring a variety of party music to this Halloween event. Come down in your best costume and enjoy tons of frightful family fun! 6-9:30 p.m. Centennial Square, 100 block of Clematis Street between Narcissus Avenue and Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach. 561-822-1515 or www.clematisbynight.net.

PUMPKIN DAY October 27. Miss Wendy will have a tasty pumpkin treat to celebrate Halloween. 10 a.m. The Four Arts, Children's Library, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. 561-655-2776. Free.

PRESCHOOL HALLOWEEN PLAY AND PARTY October 28. Preschoolers and their parents will enjoy an original, "not-so-spooky" play followed by "trick-or-treating" in the library. Don't forget to wear your costume! 11 a.m.-noon. West Palm Beach Public Library, 411 Clematis St., West Palm Beach. 561-868-7788. Free.

TRICK OR TREAT October 29. Wear your Halloween costume to the library today. You can trick or treat on the Four Arts campus after story time. Don't forget a Halloween bag for your "treats." 10 a.m. The Four Arts, Children's Library, 2 Four Arts Plaza, Palm Beach. 561-655-2776. Free.